Quentin Grimes Leads Sixers to Victory Over Warriors, Snaps Losing Streak

Quentin Grimes deserves major credit for the Sixers finally earning a victory, breaking their nine-game losing streak. On Saturday night at Wells Fargo Center, Grimes delivered a personal best, scoring 44 points, securing a 126-119 victory against the Warriors.

Supporting the effort, Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 20 points. The Warriors, now standing at 32-28, relied on Stephen Curry, who scored 29 points and provided 13 assists.

The Sixers, holding a record of 21-38, were missing key players including Joel Embiid, due to a season-ending left knee injury, Eric Gordon, who had right wrist surgery, Kyle Lowry due to right hip injury management, and Jared McCain, recovering from left lateral meniscus surgery.

Similarly, the Warriors faced their own setbacks with Jimmy Butler sidelined by back spasms and Jonathan Kuminga dealing with a right ankle sprain.

Looking ahead, the Sixers will square off against the Trail Blazers on Monday night. Here are the key takeaways from their triumph over the Warriors:

Curry Makes His Mark, While Maxey Struggles with Injury

Fresh from a stellar 56-point game against the Magic, Curry kicked off the game by landing a second-chance three-pointer, eliciting loud cheers from abundant Golden State fans in the crowd.

Though Curry didn’t start hot, the Warriors went 1-for-8 when Tyrese Maxey pressed defensively, forcing Curry into an air ball on a baseline attempt.

Naturally, managing Curry’s persistent motion is a challenge. He executed a textbook split cut off Draymond Green in the post, sinking a three-pointer. Shortly after, the 11-time All-Star confidently pulled up in transition, hitting a shot that gave the Warriors a 24-19 edge.

Conversely, Maxey hit a roadblock, going 0-for-7 and remaining scoreless in the first half. Playing through a sprained finger for the third consecutive game, his shooting touch remained elusive.

“This will improve over time as long as he avoids hitting it again,” Sixers’ head coach Nick Nurse commented. “It’s affected him somewhat, but he’s been experimenting with different release techniques to enhance his shot. We’ll see how it progresses.”

Grimes and Oubre Dominate Early

Though Paul George struggled with foul difficulties, only managing three first-half points on 1-for-6 shooting, Grimes and Oubre filled the void, combining for 35 points on 12-for-17 shooting in the first half. Grimes was nimble and quick to pull the trigger on catch-and-shoot jumpers, while Oubre drove aggressively against Golden State’s defense.

Off the bench, Justin Edwards, Guerschon Yabusele, Lonnie Walker IV, and Jeff Dowtin Jr. made their presence felt. Yabusele, sporting goggles after a recent eye injury, joined the effort beyond the arc. Dowtin, Yabusele, and Walker hit threes early in the second quarter. Oubre sunk two triples, helping extend the Sixers’ lead to double digits.

Grimes capped the first half with a buzzer-beater three, giving the Sixers a 67-55 lead. The team impressively made 11 out of 16 three-point attempts in the half (68.8%). Ranked 26th in the NBA for three-point accuracy, perhaps they were due for a hot streak.

Sixers Secure a Narrow Win

Grimes remained unstoppable post-halftime.

He improved to an impressive 12-for-13 with a fast-break and-one layup early in the third quarter. Even after missing a three, a favorable bounce led to another successful drive.

While the Sixers once led by 15 points, the Warriors closed the gap during Sixers’ sloppy execution on both ends. A Golden State 7-0 run, including a Gary Payton III put-back layup and a Buddy Hield backdoor layup, was aided by Grimes’ struggles at the free-throw line, going 0-for-4 late in the third.

Early in the fourth, the Sixers took advantage while Curry was off the court. Edwards delivered a powerful dunk, Yabusele nailed a pick-and-pop three, and George hit a mid-range jumper.

Despite the improvement, the Warriors fought back. The Sixers fought to contain defensive rebounds, surrendering 18 second-chance opportunities. George and Maxey turnovers prompted Golden State dunks. Payton’s layup tied the game at 112.

Grimes stepped up with a critical layup against Gui Santos, putting the Sixers ahead 118-116. Yabusele added a vital corner three.

Following a Santos three-point play, Draymond Green was called for a foul on a Grimes’ long-range try. Grimes managed only 1 out of 3 free throws, yet the Sixers’ lead held firm. George sank an important jumper with less than a minute left on the clock.

The conclusion wasn’t entirely smooth, but the Sixers were elated with their first victory since February 4.